THE BEST STORY SPECULATING ON VILLARAIGOSA SUCCEEDING LAHOOD

The "Human Events" blog features robust speculation on the choice of LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to replace outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. For example, John Gizzi writes:

"A former speaker of the California state Assembly, Villaraigosa has long been regarded as a future Democratic governor or senator from the Golden State and even a candidate for national office. Less than two weeks ago, his address at the National Press Club in Washington DC on immigration was a sold-out event. After two two-year terms in City Hall, Villaraigosa is “termed out” in April and appointment to the Cabinet would give him a new political home in which to land.

"In addition, a Villaraigosa appointment to the Cabinet would solve another political problem. With Democrats holding all major statewide offices in California and Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein considered shoo-ins for re-election so long as they choose, there is no available office to which Villaraigosa could turn—at least not in 2014. Making him “Secretary Villaraigosa” not only gives him a home but a base with which to be considered for future office—quite possibly, as vice presidential running mate to Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton in 2016."